Advocacy and Management Group

Principals

Robert J. Achermann, JD, has worked in government relations and association management since 1978. In representing the soft drink industry, Achermann has spent time on legislation relative to solid waste and recycling programs, curbside collection, and the Integrated Waste Management Board. He has been involved in taxation/fee issues regarding products and services. He has also worked on legislation and regulations pertaining to licensing and regulation of entities and professionals under the Department of Consumer Affairs, health care reform, physician referrals, clinical laboratories, hazardous waste handling and disposal, Proposition 65, and radiation control. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from California State University, Sacramento, and his Juris Doctor from the McGeorge School of Law. He is a member of the California Bar Association.

Jackie A. Miller has more than 20 years’ experience in government relations and association management primarily in health care. She has served as associate executive director and lobbyist for a statewide medical association and provided contract management services for a national organization of medical association executives. Prior, she was an analyst for the State of California’s Department of Finance. A magna cum laude graduate of California State University, Sacramento, Miller majored in Government and minored in Communications Studies. She received the Harry Truman Award presented to the highest-ranking graduate of the CSUS Government Department. Ms. Miller is also active in local politics. She has been heavily involved in lobbying on behalf of clients affected by the Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal programs, including the budget process, managed care regulation, legislation affecting physician licensure and licensing boards, and scope of practice, among others.

Executive Staff

Events and Meeting Planner, Joan Achermann - Joan Achermann specializes in tradeshows, seminars, parties and business conferences with over 15 years of event and meeting planning experience. She worked as a wedding and party planner for years and joined Advocacy & Management Group in October 2000 after working as a Sport’s Management Program and Marketing Director.

Accounting and Operations Manager, Connie Payne - A staff member since 1999, Ms. Payne performs all accounting functions for AMG clients, and is the Accounting and Operations Manager for AMG. Ms. Payne has over 10 years experience in non-profit accounting, for a total of more than 25 years of accounting experience. Ms. Payne also specializes in board administration and membership services. Ms. Payne was the Accounting Manager of a 16 staff statewide association before joining AMG.

Senior Account Executive, Gloria Peterson - Gloria Peterson has been a staff member since 1994. She specializes in Medicare/Medi-Cal reimbursement and serves as a liaison between members and appropriate government agencies for reimbursement, licensing and tax issues. Ms. Peterson also handles executive direction, public relations, publication and website development, professional development projects, communications and membership services development and support for several clients. Ms. Peterson is a member of the California Society of Association Executives and American Society of Association Executives.

Event Planner, Monique Rice - With keen talent for Internal and External Relations, Ms. Rice joined AMG with a myriad of skill and experience focused on event planning and marketing. Her customer focus and creativity consistently generate rave accolades from her AMG clients. Ms. Rice's experience spans the Education, Telecommunications, and Healthcare industries in both corporate and non-profit sectors.

Data and IT Manager, Paul Simmons - Paul Simmons has an extensive background in non-profit associations, including membership, project management, and database management. Mr. Simmons serves as the database specialist for all AMG clients as well as IT Director for AMG.

Communications Coordinator, Melissa Hensley - Melissa Hensley is in charge of web site development and newsletter production. She has been a graphic artist and web developer for over ten years. Prior to joining AMG, she spent eight years with the California Assisted Living Association, where she was the Director of Communications & Technology. Her background also includes event planning, data management and membership services.

Event Planner, Christine Feenstra - Christine Feenstra is the CME coordinator for two of AMG’s largest clients. Ms. Feenstra has over ten years event planning experience working for both large and small businesses in the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Prior to joining AMG she served as Special Events Planner for the California Clinical Forensic Medical Training Center at the University of California, Davis. In that position Ms. Feenstra demonstrated her ability to coordinate both large and small training courses and conferences, to formulate a marketing plan specifically for those events as well as write and manage grants. At UC Davis she was personally responsible for the planning, coordination and development of a large conference that boasts an attendance of over 900 professionals from around the country.